Birth Day Diaries

Birth Day Diaries: Entry Nine

We are pleased to announce the birth of...

Carolyn Kimberly "Caly" Bradshaw
to Michael & Janelle Bradshaw
at 5:07 pm, February 20, 2006
Weight: 7lb, 3oz

Caly (pronounced like "Sally" but with a "C") is named after her two grandmothers. She was delivered via c-section because her head was turned sideways and got lodged in the birthing canal, which affected her heart rate. But, by God's grace, she is a healthy little girl. Apparently, she has some personality too--she bit the doctor's hand as she came into the world!

Mike and Janelle want to sincerely thank all of you for your prayers, encouragement, and love! Here are some pictures of Caly. More to come...

Birth Day Diaries: Entry Eight

Baby Bradshaw is here! Thank you for your prayers. The little girl was safely delivered via c-section a little while ago. We don't yet know the exact time of birth--we haven't even seen her yet! But the doctor came out to tell us that the baby is healthy (apgar score was great) and that Janelle is doing wonderful as well!  We'll post all the details and pictures as soon as we can. Thank you again for your prayers!

Birth Day Diaries: Entry Seven

After pushing for half an hour, the doctor determined that the baby's heartbeat was such that they needed to do a c-section right away. So, as we write, they have Janelle in the operating room where they are delivering the little girl. Please pray for health and safety for Janelle and her baby. Thank you!

Birth Day Diaries: Entry Six

The doctor just checked Janelle and she is 9 1/2 cm dilated and in a few minutes they will have her begin pushing. Lord willing, Baby Bradshaw will be here soon!

Birth Day Diaries: Entry Five

Half an hour ago, Janelle received the epidural. Sigh of relief. The doctor said it should only take about fifteen minutes to begin working. Mom and I are out on "lunch break" right now so that Kristin and Mike's mom, Kim, can see Janelle. So we're hoping that the epidural has kicked in and Janelle is resting comfortably, and maybe even joking around!

Birth Day Diaries: Entry Four

Janelle's contractions are getting much stronger, and she is ready for the epidural. The anesthesiologist should be arriving shortly. Dr. Tran says she is 3cm dilated and 90 percent effaced.

Birth Day Diaries: Entry Three

Pitocin administered. Hopefully this will get things started!

Birth Day Diaries: Entry Two

still 2 cm dilated, 80 percent effaced

We got here at around 8:30 a.m. and after checking in, we met Janelle’s entertaining nurse, Barbara. She’s wearing an Eeyore nurse’s jacket and matching Eeyore socks. However, her personality doesn’t match her favorite Winnie-the-Pooh character; she’s more a cross between Tigger and Rabbit—Tigger’s enthusiasm and Rabbit’s efficiency. Perfect.

After bravely enduring the first needle of the day (her fluid IV) Janelle gave us a little scare when she became faint and her blood pressure dropped. But everything has stabilized now and the doctor just broke Janelle’s water. The good news is that all the back pain she’s been experiencing has actually been contractions!

Surprisingly, Janelle hasn’t demanded an epidural. Although maybe that's because she hasn't actually been induced yet. 

Birth Day Diaries: Entry One

Good morning, everyone! I hardly know what to write.  The day that I have been praying and thinking about for nine months is finally here.  I'm doing well.  Sleep last night was pretty fitful, but my heart is at peace.  I'm very aware of the Lord's nearness and promise to help me.  I just can't wait to hold my little girl in my arms.  Mike and I lay awake last night, as we have on so many occasions, trying to guess who she might look like.  It's hard to imagine that all of our wondering is quickly approaching an end.   

Nicole will take over the posting from here.  Thank you so much to all of you who are praying for me!  Would you do me this great kindness for one more day?

Here's the first picture of the day, fresh out of bed. Don't worry I'm going to hit the shower and the makeup now.